Spending wisely to improve Cedar Rapids schools

Members of the Cedar Rapids Community School District Oversight Committee are proud to support the district in providing students and staff with well-maintained, safe, and secure learning facilities and campuses. We are earnestly committed to representing stakeholders to help ensure that funds are invested as they intended and that projects are completed on time and on budget. Oversight also provides assurance that our schools remain progressive learning environments that are aligned with current advancements in education.

The district has a history of community participation with fiscal management. A formal citizens' committee was formed in 2001 to oversee the use of $46 million in voter-approved bond funds. Those moneys allowed the district to build Viola Gibson Elementary School, add a new media center and six classrooms at Hoover Elementary, and install state-of-the-art geothermal heating and cooling systems at all six district middle schools, as well as other critical infrastructure needs.

The SILO Oversight Committee was formed in 2007 with the passage of the School Infrastructure Local Option tax. Using SILO funds, the district has been able to update and improve efficiencies at school buildings; modernize the shared stadium space, including turf replacement; fund classroom technology; and provide for property tax relief.

As the district nears completion of these SILO-funded projects, the committee's focus has shifted to the Master Facilities Plan. Our charge is to review district adherence to the plan toward the maintenance and modernization of 2.7 million square feet of building space and 425 acres of grounds using funds from the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy. We will review identified projects, consult with district staff to refine plans as appropriate, and then consider endorsement of fully-vetted projects for final approval by the board of education. We also will provide feedback for district modifications to the plan as may be appropriate in the future. We are energized by this renewed opportunity.

Over the years, the board has thoughtfully developed committee membership to include a diverse assembly of forward-thinking, subject-matter professionals, representing an array of key local industries and organizations. These have included Shive-Hattery, Ahmann Design, Rockwell Collins, Selk Dawson Tax & Financial, Acme Graphics, the IBEW, United Fire, AEGON/Transamerica, Alliant Energy, Ryan Companies, ImOn Communications, Lease America and General Mills. A number of individuals have shared their expertise since 2001; some members of the elected board of education are alumni of the oversight committee.

Since 2001, some $293 million in voter-approved Bond and SILO funds have been expended with committee oversight. Throughout this period, the district has sustained a reputation for completing projects on time and often below budget. Such efficient use of taxpayer moneys has provided for additional projects, including HVAC systems, window installations, and the construction of an elementary library and computer lab. We are proud to highlight this as evidence of the positive impact these public resources have on the school district and our community.

We recognize that the continued maintenance and modernization of our existing schools, as well consideration of new construction to support projected enrollment growth, will affect both our children's education and our community's health. We thank the community for their continued trust in the oversight committee to thoughtfully represent stakeholder interests. We look forward to our continued collaborations with district staff, the board of education and the community as the Cedar Rapids Community School District positions itself for the future. We encourage you to visit our wonderful schools to see the impact of these efforts for yourself.

Cedar Rapids Community School District Master Facilities Plan Oversight Committee

Michael Dawson, Chair

Dave Dvorak

Bill Hanes

Frank Rainbolt

Mark Robinson

Lindsay Schumacher

Sue Shanklin

Steve Shupp

' Michael Dawson is a local small business owner and has served as the Chairman of the Cedar Rapids School District SILO and Master Facilities Oversight committees since July 2007. Comments: mike@selkdawson.com